This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 9:00 Asakusa, Sensoji Temple and Asakusa Shrine
- 11:20 Tokyo National Museum
- 12:30 Lunch
- Return to the hotel once, then escort to the Ryogoku Kokugikan, the venue for the next guide assignment (sumo watching)
- 14:10 Guide ends
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Asakusa, Sensoji Temple and Asakusa Shrine at 9:00, Tokyo National Museum at 11:20 and Guide ends at 14:10.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Akabanebashi to Asakusa by subway (220JPY); Asakusa to Ueno by subway (180JPY); Hamamatsucho to Ryogoku by train (180JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 580JPY per person.
Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Asakusa and the Tokyo National Museum Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
We started the tour first thing in the morning. In Asakusa, I explained the characteristics of Buddhist temples by comparing them with the Shinto shrine we had visited the previous day. I explained that there are Buddhist statues, that the Nio guardian figures originally came from India, that dragons are symbols of happiness and success, that the five-story pagoda has an earthquake-resistant design, and that the altar is extremely gorgeous. I also guided the group around the neighboring Asakusa Shrine. At the Tokyo National Museum, we saw art ranging from the Jomon period to around the Meiji Restoration, including Buddhist statues, sliding-door paintings, ink paintings, armor and helmets, Japanese swords, kimono displays, tea ceremony utensils, kabuki costumes, and much more. The guests listened very attentively. For lunch, since they wished to try casual local comfort food, they ordered Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, yakisoba, and diced steak. The guests also had a couple of beers.
[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Akabanebashi～Asakusa | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Asakusa～Ueno | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Hamamatsucho～Ryogoku | 180JPY |
| Total | 580JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Asakusa, Sensoji Temple and Asakusa Shrine, Tokyo National Museum and Guide ends.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 580JPY per person across 3 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Shuji is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Tokyo itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
My name is Shuji, meaning “Excellent Manager” in English. I was born in Hiroshima 1952. I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
After graduating Kyoto Univ. I joined Mitsubishi-UFJ Bank, Osaka Branch where I met my wife who was a master of Englsih, so I started studying English.
The bank allowed me to go to Columbia Graduate business school in New York and got MBA Degree there. I worked in London and Manchester Branch.
During staying in U.K., I was introduced by BBC and Financial Times News Paper about my achievement there. I was selected as a personal assistant and interpreter for the President of the Bank.
I made many business trips with him to overseas countries. I experienced as an interpreter for meeting late Henry Kissinger and the President of Citi. Corp.
I changed the job to ORIX corporation, there I was promoted to a Board Member. When the company had acquired Dutch company, I was a member as an accountant to check the Dutch company’s statements of accounts.
My hobbies are cooking, singing a song, playing tennis & golf, enjoy seeing arts especially opera & musical, travel. I am also busy with taking care of grandchildren. I passed Government Licensed Guide Exam. in 2016. After I retired in 2017, I started guide job as a part timer. So far, I accomplished guide job more than 500 times.
My area coverage is from Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji to Kyoto, Nara, Oaka, Hiroshima. I am also able to guide Tea Ceremony, Maiko/Geisha, Sushi Making, Calligraphy, Sumo, Samurai, etc. I can speak excellent English. My knowledge is very wide and deep about not only sightseeing places but Japanese History, Culture, Religion, Daily Life. I know many foreign countries and people. I love talking with all kinds of people including babies with interesting humor.
By the way, I look young for my age of 74.
Jul 16, 2026
salomons666
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Kyoto fun
Amazing with our guide Shuji very kind and acknowledge
Jul 15, 2026
P9099TXkennethr
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A great day
A great day in the Company of mr. Shuji.
Jun 28, 2026
A
Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
AmyfromPlano
Shuji is the best! Once we booked this tour, he reached…
Jun 28, 2026
A
Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
AmyfromPlano
Shuji is the best! Once we booked this tour, he reached out immediately to make sure that we had a customized tour of what we wanted to see and do in Nara. The level of details in his emails was incredible! Not only did Shuji plan a great tour but he also went above and beyond by explaining the Japan rail system, the public transportation cards (Suica, Pasmo, etc.) and even told us exactly what trains, times and gates to exit so that our meetup was seamless. Been on a lot of tours around the world and have never had this level of communication. Once we started our tour, Shuji was articulate, knowledgeable and so much fun! Nara is amazing and Shuji made it so much better – please request him!
Jun 22, 2026
yeseniag981
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Osaka Tour
Our tour guide Shuji was amazing. He was…
Jun 22, 2026
yeseniag981
Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Osaka Tour
Our tour guide Shuji was amazing. He was very knowledgeable and made sure we were able to see everything that we wanted while in Osaka. He even took my 5 year old into consideration and took us to the Pokémon store since he is a Pokémon fan. I would definitely recommend him as a tour guide.